Poyet backs Capello in Terry captaincy row

BRIGHTON boss Gus Poyet has weighed in on the row over John Terry, saying the decision to strip him of the England captaincy should have been Fabio Capello’s, not the FA’s.

And the Uruguayan has given his three-man shortlist for who he thinks should replace Capello after the Italian’s shock resignation yesterday.

Speaking at today’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s game at Leeds, Poyet refused comment on the reasons behind the Italian’s departure.

But he said: “I don’t like to comment on suspicions. I didn’t understand the decision by the FA, yeah I can comment on that, no I don’t.

“I don’t know why John Terry cannot be the England captain, I don’t.

“If they (the FA) want to ban him from playing for England it’s a different call. But (if) you decide 50-50, no, you either make a decision or you don’t.

“I don’t think it’s right to decide who should be the captain of the team apart from the manager, simple. Because if today a chairman can pick the captain, tomorrow he can pick the right-back, and tomorrow the left wing.

“So you’re going over the line, and I don’t accept it.

“The new England manager is coming in with something already decided for him.”

And when asked who he thought should succeed Capello as England manager he replied: “I tell you my candidates. England, Harry Redknapp. British, Alex Ferguson is the best qualified. Foreigner, Mourinho.

“That’s mine. If they (the FA) like to take my advice, no problem.”

With Redknapp already the front runner to land the top job in the summer, Brighton fans are already fearing their manager will be lined up as his replacement at Tottenham.

Poyet spent a year as assistant manager at White Hart Lane, and after two highly successful seasons at Brighton he would be a strong candidate for the job should it come available.

Responding to the fans’ fears Poyet, nominated for the Championship manager of the month award for January, said: “It was always the possibility (he would be linked with the job), it’s going to be there all the time (the rumours).

“But I’m not bothered, I’m here and I’m (not) moved by the rumours… I’m relaxed.”

Poyet spent a year as assistant manager at Saturday’s opponents Leeds.

The teams drew the corresponding fixture at The Amex 3-3 back in September when Brighton came from 2-0 down to snatch a late point, but Poyet is hoping Saturday’s game will be “more normal”.